I have been on Medicare for several years, since I am on SSDI. I also had a Medigap policy which was very expensive since I was not 65 years old when it started. By very expensive, I mean my choices were $270 per month with a $2100 deductible or $775 per month. If I'd been 65, the premiums would have been a fourth of that.
Last year in July I turned 65. I had sort of assumed the premium would go down automatically. I really just forgot about it. In March of this year I realized I needed to do it myself, so I waited until "Open Enrollment" to call the insurance company.
I found out "Open Enrollment" only applies to Medicare, not Medigap. You can change Medigap coverage any time.
By missing the window of opportunity that is 3 months before and 6 months after I turned 65, I missed the opportunity to change insurance coverage with no questions asked. I was facing the possibility (or probability) of being turned down because of my health history. Plus, I paid those high premiums for 16 months!
Fortunately I have access to benefits advisory company that was able to find a "Guaranteed Issue" policy that will take me.
Just be be aware that this is an issue for those of us turning 65. I had no idea there was a time limit on changing Medigap coverage.
Last year in July I turned 65. I had sort of assumed the premium would go down automatically. I really just forgot about it. In March of this year I realized I needed to do it myself, so I waited until "Open Enrollment" to call the insurance company.
I found out "Open Enrollment" only applies to Medicare, not Medigap. You can change Medigap coverage any time.
By missing the window of opportunity that is 3 months before and 6 months after I turned 65, I missed the opportunity to change insurance coverage with no questions asked. I was facing the possibility (or probability) of being turned down because of my health history. Plus, I paid those high premiums for 16 months!
Fortunately I have access to benefits advisory company that was able to find a "Guaranteed Issue" policy that will take me.
Just be be aware that this is an issue for those of us turning 65. I had no idea there was a time limit on changing Medigap coverage.
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